February is...

Not only is this the month for Valentine's Day, but more importantly February is American Heart Month.  If you are reading this, you were probably born with a healthy heart.  If not, then you are aware of the problem and have learned how to modify your lifestyle or how to take care of your heart.  Mackenzie was born with a heart problem that no one knew about prior to her birth. 

Did you know...

• Heart disease is the #1 cause of death
• Congenital heart defects, one of the most common types of birth defects, affect nearly 1% of all infants born in the US
• Heart disease is the third leading cause of death among women aged 25–44 years and the second leading cause of death among women aged 45–64 years
• The average age for a first heart attack for men is 66 years

You might be asking why I'm telling you this information.  Well...if you are reading this you are important to me.  You might be a family member, friend, or someone from cyberspace that came across this blog somehow.  So, yes, I do care about you.  I want you to take care of the healthy heart you were given.  Mackenzie wasn't given a healthy heart, so be thankful for what you were given. 

You can do this in different ways, but the obvious ones are to get out there and exercise.  I understand it is brutally cold outside for most of the country (at least for this week it has been), but does that mean you are glued to your couch?  Do a few trips up the stairs.  Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator.  I'm not trying to tell people to lose weight here, I'm trying to make you aware of what your heart needs to be healthy.  Try eating an extra vegetable tomorrow.  Cut back on salt.  You know what is best for you.  And when you start to feel lazy or feel like there is no point, think of Mackenzie.  Every time I run and I want to stop, I think of her.  I think about how she was never given the chance to run.  I think about how her heart wasn't healthy so I need to make sure mine is.  Think of her. 

Oh and BTW, tomorrow is National Wear Red Day.  So bust out your red clothes (men too) in support of fighting heart disease in women.  It is important to show what you believe in.